STAFF ROUND UP

Equality and Diversity Re-monitoring Exercise

Every two years, the University is required to carry out a monitoring exercise of the Equality Monitoring data it holds on its staff.

This is to ensure the University has an accurate and up to date record of each staff member’s Equality Monitoring data and we are complying with our statutory obligations.

The majority of University staff will have provided Equality Monitoring data when they commenced employment but for some staff, this information may no longer be accurate or reflect their personal circumstances. For example, there may have been changes to marital status, dependant status or disability in the last two years.

Regardless of whether there are changes to your Equality Monitoring data or not, all University staff are asked to log onto iTrent self-service and to review and/or update the information held on them.

Please note that the information you submit is entirely confidential and can only be accessed by staff within the University’s Equality and Diversity Unit who manage this information in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. To review and update your Equality Monitoring data, please log onto iTrent self-service and follow the instructions which can be found by clicking here. Please complete this exercise by Wednesday 15 February.

The DNA of Innovation

Staff are invited to a special research-impact showcase event to launch the new volume in The DNA of Innovation series Pioneering Research, Global Impact.

This free event, which is also open to schoolchildren (aged 10+), will take place on Thursday 16 February, from 4.00pm - 7.00pm in the Whitla Hall. It is also part of the NI Science Festival programme.

Volume VI in the series, ‘Pioneering Research, Global Impact’ marks a significant milestone on the Queen’s journey: the establishment of our new interdisciplinary Global Research Institutes and Pioneer Research Programmes. Building on solid foundations, they bring together researchers working across disciplines to address some of the greatest global challenges of our time. The inspiring researchers profiled in this new publication are working to ensure a healthy global population and an inclusive, secure and enriched society. They are tackling the familiar problems of disease, the new horizons of the fourth industrial revolution – and much more.

The showcase provides an opportunity for staff to talk to the researchers profiled in the new publication at their stands about their work. A number of short presentations will also be delivered by some of the Queen’s researchers.

BBC Radio 4 Show needs Queen's academics

BBC Radio 4 show The 3rd Degree pits three university academics and three undergraduate students against each other in specialist subjects and general knowledge. Now in the seventh series, the production team will record an episode at Queen's University on Monday 27 February featuring Queen's staff and students.

Potential competitors will have an interview with the show's producer David Tyler, to find out their specialisms and general knowledge. The final three staff will be selected based on the availability of a relevant head-to-head student.

EPSRC Funding for Building Research Collaborations

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has provided funding to be directed towards promoting activities aligned with the Prosperity Outcomes of the EPSRC Delivery Plan. Funding is available for Collaboration Building activities which are aligned with the Outcomes framework and which promote external engagements (from any sector).

Funding of up to £5,000 is available for activities to be undertaken by Friday 31 March.

British Heart Foundation research and Staff Wellbeing visits to Queen’s

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the biggest independent funder of heart research in the UK.

The medical research charity is currently investing £3.1m in research at Queen’s University into a diverse range of research projects including repair of the heart after a heart attack, and the connection between gum disease and the risk of coronary heart disease.

Over the next five years the BHF aims to fund more than half a billion pounds' worth of research and is keen to increase its research funding at the University.

Research Development is hosting a visit by Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation on Tuesday 28 March to discuss how local researchers can maximise their chance of successfully receiving BHF funding.

In partnership with Staff Wellbeing, a BHF Information Session Look after your Heart! on Wednesday 15 February, 1.00pm – 2.00pm will provide steps to look after your heart. BHF NI Cardiovascular Development Coordinator Craig Moore will discuss risk factors and how you can look after your own heart health. Please note that lunch will be provided.

A visit by The Conversation's Health and Medicine Editor is scheduled for Thursday 9 and Friday 10 March. Further information will be provided in the next Round Up. Those interested in a one-to-one session with the editor should contact Judith Rance, 028 9097 3087.

Global Health Symposium 2017

The Global Health Symposium 2017, organised and hosted by Queen's University, will take place in Riddel Hall on Thursday 27 April.

This one-day event is intended to promote study, research and practice that places a priority on improving human and animal health worldwide. The Symposium will be of interest to academics, clinicians, funders, postdoctoral researchers, postgraduate students and health policy makers. The programme includes 10 presentations from acknowledged global health experts and covers a wide range of topics within human and animal health.

Attendance at the Symposium is free and includes a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day. As numbers are limited, those interested in attending are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

UKRO visit Queen’s

Dr Helen Dewberry from The UK Research Office (UKRO) will visit Queen's on Wednesday 1 March.

UKRO is the European office of the UK Research Councils. It delivers a subscription-based advisory service for research organisations (in the main UK HEIs) and provides National Contact Point services on behalf of the UK Government. UKRO's mission is to maximise UK engagement in EU-funded research, innovation and higher-education activities.

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Parents’/Guardians’ Evening

The Faculty of AHSS is holding an information evening for schoolchildren in years 10, 11 and 12, and their parents or guardians, on Thursday 23 February from 7.00pm - 9.30pm.

The event will provide information on the full range of undergraduate degrees within the Faculty, from Audio Engineering to Law. You will get a flavour of what is involved in the various degrees, hear about the entry criteria and also find out about the various career options open to graduates.

There will be a number of subject talks throughout the evening to choose from and there will also be information stands for Schools in the Faculty where you may chat informally with staff and current students. Staff from Admissions will also be present to answer any specific queries about entrance requirements.

Sir Bernard Crossland lecture

Staff are invited to the 16th Annual Sir Bernard Crossland lecture on Tuesday 21 February at Riddel Hall. Hosted by Engineers Ireland with Queen’s, guest speaker Professor Dame Ann Dowling, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, will give an address on Universities, Innovation and Growth.

Tea and coffee will be available from 6.00pm and the lecture will begin at 6.30pm. This event is also part of the NI Science Festival programme. Please register your attendance via Eventbrite.

QFT listings

Treat yourself to any large glass of wine for £3.50 at the QFT. Valid for the month of February with a Queen's Staff Card.

Currently at QFT:

Loving - Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter, Midnight Special) directs Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga (pictured) in the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, who were arrested in 1950s Virginia for the crime of getting married.

Christine – Rebecca Hall gives a career-best performance depicting the troubled life and very public death of Florida anchorwoman Christine Chubbuck, who committed suicide live on air in the summer of 1974.

T2 Trainspotting - Two decades after director Danny Boyle’s groundbreaking drama set in Edinburgh’s dark, druggy underbelly, the four friends drawn from Irvine Welsh’s novel return to make amends … or seek revenge.

Welcome Centre

The Welcome Centre is a proud stockist of Wee Choco bars and hot choc blocs. Wee Choco is a community-interest company from Northern Ireland whose ethical and sustainable chocolate is second to none. All profits from their handmade, high-quality chocolate go to supporting and benefiting people with learning difficulties in the local community. These delicious chocolate bars come in a range of flavours.

Staff are reminded of their 10% discount.

Naughton Gallery

‌Gallery ExhibitionThe next exhibition Predictable Contact by Michael Hanna opens on Thurday 16 February with a staff and student drinks reception from 5.00pm. Belfast-based Michael Hanna is the official Artist in Residence for Northern Ireland Science Festival 2017, generously supported by British Council Northern Ireland. This is the second year running that the Naughton Gallery has hosted the Festival’s Artist in Residence.

Art in the AMThis month's guest is Michael Hanna, in conversation with the Naughton Gallery's Ben Crothers and Rachel Brown. Art in the AM is a monthly series of conversations between selected artists, curators and guests in the early hours of the day. The next meeting will take place on Friday 24 February, 9.30am - 10.30am, The Pocket, 69 University Road.

The Book ClubJoin The Book Club for tea, coffee and a lively discussion on the next book Story of Your Life, and Others by Ted Chiang (2015). The collection includes a story that was the basis for Arrival, starring Amy Adams and Forest Whitaker. The book is available from Blackwell’s in the Students’ Union with discount for Book Club members. For more info contact art@qub.ac.uk.

Horizon 2020 - Writing workshop for collaborative proposals

The training is intended for senior academics planning to apply to the Horizon 2020 'Industrial Leadership' and the 'Societal Challenges' programmes. These applications, called 'collaborative projects' under FP7, imply the involvement of at least three organisations from three different Member States.

The workshop will address each section of the application through informative material. Strategic guidance will also be provided. The key points delivered at the training will be relevant to any collaborative research proposal. The workshop will be held on Thursday 23 February from 9.30am - 12.00pm.

Higher Education Lunchtime Forum

Colleagues are invited to the next Queen’s University Higher Education Lunchtime Forum. This session, Supporting Children in Care, is hosted by the Widening Participation Unit on Wednesday 22 February, 1.00pm – 1.55pm (sandwich lunch available at 12.45pm).

Nationally, only 6% of young people who are in care aged 16 continue into higher education by the age of 19. Care leavers are, therefore, a severely under-represented group and improving access for care leavers remains an important priority for Higher Education Institutions. Queen’s University was awarded the Buttle Quality Mark in 2014 in recognition of its commitment to Looked after Children and Care Leavers.

This event will:

examine the reasons why children in care are less likely to do well than their peers at school;

highlight how, by working in partnership with stakeholders, low aspirations and attainment can be challenged;

highlight the excellent practice currently taking place and examine the obstacles that children in care have to overcome;

share a 10 minute video highlighting the role of the Pathways group in Northern Ireland and how it is working to make sure every child in care in Northern Ireland reaches his or her full potential.

Further information is available on the CED website. To book a place, log onto Queen's Online, then select 'Training Courses' from the list on the left of the page and follow the link for 'iTrent Self Service'.

To register for an upcoming training course, log onto Queen’s Online at www.qub.ac.uk/qol then select Training Courses from the list on the left of the page and follow the link for 'iTrent Self Service'.

Bite Size Open Access Training

Open Access is now a requirement for REF eligibility. To make sure you comply with the policy go along to the bite size course. There will be time after to answer any specific questions you have.

The next session will take place on:

Tuesday 21 February: How to comply with HEFCE’s Open Access Policy for the REF, 2.00pm – 2.30pm, The McClay Library, Gillespie Room.

To register, login to Queen's Online and click ‘Training Courses’ from the ‘Other’ section. Alternatively email Open Access and we can book the course(s) on your behalf. The full training schedule is available on the Open Access LibGuide.

IT Training courses

Places are available on the following courses:

Wednesday 15 February: Outlook: Making Best Use of Outlook 2013, 9.30am – 1.00pm

Tip of the day: The TODAY function in Excel is dynamic so will update each time the workbook is opened to always display the current date. Enter =TODAY() in a cell.

CED

All Continuing Professional Development courses have now been scheduled and are available for booking. Below is a list of those courses scheduled for the next few weeks. Please note that there are limited places available on each course/event.